Fiji’s Country Liaison Officer and the Australian Department of Workplace Relations are thoroughly investigating the claims of modern-day slavery, racism, bullying, excessive workloads, unfair termination, and unsafe and unhealthy working conditions under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Program.

Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh and the Australian High Commissioner, Ewen McDonald met to reaffirm both government's commitment to improving the work rights and welfare of Fijian workers engaged under the PALM Program.

The Ministry for Employment says the primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen and enhance the collaboration between Fiji and Australia regarding the PALM Program.

The Minister and the Australian High Commissioner have discussed at length the claims of modern-day slavery, racism and bullying under the PALM Program.

They also discussed the need to further strengthen the mechanisms to ensure compliance.

The Ministry says on the recent claims highlighted in the media, Fiji’s Country Liaison Officer and the Department of Workplace Relations are investigating the matter with full support from the Australian High Commission.

The Australian High Commissioner confirmed that the team will be at the workplace.

Singh further highlighted that discussions were also held on the engagement of an additional Country Liaison Officer to be based in Queensland, Australia and increasing travel allowances for the current CLOs to attend to workers' grievances, especially those living and working in remote areas of Australia.

He says the importance of direct contact with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and having desk officers for direct communication was also emphasised.

The Minister acknowledged the Fair Work Ombudsman for its role in ensuring fair treatment and compliance with workplace standards.

A ministerial visit to Australia is scheduled for October to strengthen the labour mobility program for the betterment of our Fijian workers and a "win-win" outcome for both countries.

The High Commission will arrange a meeting with the new Minister responsible for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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